01 Loofah:
Structure: The loofah is a fruit and melon vegetable, the main characteristics of which are its elongated shape and unique fibrous surface.
Growing environment: Loofah is suitable for planting in hot summer and has strong heat tolerance. It germinates quickly at 30-35 years old, and the suitable temperature range for growth is 20-30 °C.
Physiological characteristics: The loofah grows rapidly in a high-temperature environment, with more flowers and more melons. It takes 35-45 days from planting to the first harvest, and the harvest period is 50-60 days. Timely harvesting is important to maintain the quality of the loofah, otherwise it is easy to fibrosis.
Uses: Loofah is a common edible vegetable, which can be boiled, stir-fried, stewed and other cooking methods. It is rich in dietary fiber and vitamins, which are beneficial for the digestive system and **health.
Culture: The loofah also has a special cultural significance in some places, such as in China, where it is sometimes used to symbolize longevity and happiness.
02 Pumpkin:
Structure: Pumpkin is a large vegetable, usually round or oval in shape, with a textured appearance and different colors.
Growing Environment: Pumpkins prefer warm climates, with a suitable growing temperature range of 18-32 and can tolerate temperatures up to 46 °C.
Physiological characteristics: Pumpkin has a long growth period, and it generally takes about 100 days from germination to maturity. It ripens in late summer and early autumn and is generally ready for market around 10 days after fruiting.
Uses: Pumpkin can be used as an edible vegetable and is widely used in cooking, such as making pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie, etc. In addition, pumpkin can also be used to make desserts and pasta dishes such as pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread.
Culture: Pumpkins have a special meaning in some cultures, such as on Halloween, where jack-o'-lanterns are often made into various shapes for decoration and celebration.
03 Chili:
Structure: Chili pepper is a perennial or annual plant with long or round fruits, usually in different colors such as red, yellow, and green.
Growing environment: The suitable temperature range for pepper is 15-30, and seedlings need higher temperatures during the growth period. The maximum tolerance temperature is 35, but peppers are shade-loving and need proper shade.
Physiological characteristics: Peppers are suitable for sowing in June and July, and it generally takes 2-3 months from planting to harvesting. The southern region is planted earlier than the north, so the peppers in the southern region ripen early.
Uses: Chili peppers are widely used in cooking to add a spicy flavor to dishes. It can also be used as a condiment, making chili sauce and dressings and other food processing ingredients.
Culture: In some places, chili peppers are regarded as ingredients with some mysterious powers, which have the effect of warding off evil spirits. Chili peppers are also used as a symbol of courage, passion, and enthusiasm in many cultures, such as in Mexican days, where chili peppers are one of the important elements in the celebration and commemoration of the Day of the Dead.
04 Water spinach:
Structure: Water spinach is a vegetable with heart-shaped leaves and a hollow stem that is a distinctive feature.
Growing environment: Water spinach is suitable for growing in a warm environment, and the most suitable growing temperature is 28-30. It is highly tolerant to high temperatures, but not cold-tolerant, and temperatures below 15 can affect growth.
Physiological characteristics: Water spinach takes 35-45 days from planting to the first harvest, and can be harvested multiple times. Generally, the first harvest is performed when the stem is 20-30 cm long, and the second harvest can be carried out about 20 days later. Timely harvesting is good for both the taste of the water spinach and the next harvest.
Uses: Water spinach can be used as an edible vegetable, often used in stir-frying, soup and other cooking methods. It is rich in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the body's health.
Culture: Water spinach is widely consumed in many Asian countries and has special cultural significance in some places. In China, water spinach is regarded as one of the common vegetables in summer and is believed to have the effect of clearing away heat and relieving heat.
05 Eggplant:
Structure: Eggplant is a vegetable whose fruit is oval or oblong in shape and has a variable skin color, usually purple or dark purple.
Growing environment: Eggplant prefers a warm environment, and the suitable temperature range for growing is 25-30. It needs plenty of sunlight and the right amount of water and fertilizer**.
Physiological characteristics: It takes 60-70 days for eggplants to be harvested after planting. After planting, pruning the excess foliage helps the plant to bear fruit. Eggplants have a higher need for water and nutrients and need to be watered and fertilized at the right time.
Uses: Eggplant is a common edible vegetable that can be cooked into multiple dishes, such as sautéed, roasted, and stewed eggplant. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are good for health.
Culture: Eggplant has an important place in the food culture of many countries. In the Mediterranean region, eggplant is one of the main ingredients in many traditional dishes, such as Musaka in Greece and Elisabeth pizza in Italy. Eggplant is also seen as a symbol of luck and prosperity in some cultures.
06 Beans:
Structure: Beans are a vegetable whose fruit is a pod containing beans. The shape and size of beans vary depending on the variety, but the common ones are long beans, short beans, lentils, and green beans.
Growing environment: Beans are thermophilic and heat-tolerant crops, and the suitable temperature range for growth is 22-28. When sowing, the suitable germination temperature is 25-30, and the minimum should not be lower than 12. Beans still set pods normally in the summer heat, but the soil needs to be kept moist to promote rapid plant growth.
Physiological characteristics: Depending on the variety, the growth cycle and harvest time of the beans will vary. Generally, it takes about 55 days for early-maturing varieties, about 65 days for medium-maturing varieties, and about 75-80 days for late-maturing varieties. The first harvest usually takes place when the pods are large enough, and can be picked at regular intervals as needed.
Uses: Beans are a common edible vegetable that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, such as fried beans, steamed beans, and boiled beans. They are rich in protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins that are beneficial for human health.
Culture: Beans have an important place in the diet of many countries. In Asia, beans are often used in traditional dishes such as Chinese stir-fry and Japanese cooking. In addition, beans are also seen as a symbol of luck and prosperity, and are associated with a good harvest and good luck in some cultures.
07 Summer cabbage:
Structure: Summer cabbage is a vegetable that belongs to one of the varieties of Chinese cabbage. It is similar in appearance to bok choy, with thick leaves and a tight leaf core.
Growing environment: The suitable temperature range for the growth of summer cabbage is 20-25. July-August is the best time to plant summer cabbage. Choosing early-maturing Chinese cabbage varieties with heat tolerance, humidity tolerance, fast growth and good quality, such as Xia Yang Bai and Xia Kang Bai, is conducive to the growth of summer cabbage.
Physiological characteristics: The growth cycle of summer cabbage is short, and it generally takes about 45 days to go on the market. The plants can be harvested when they are seven or eight years old, and the specific harvest time can also be determined according to market demand. The plant size of summer cabbage is relatively small, and it can be planted reasonably densely to increase the yield.
Uses: Summer cabbage can be used as an edible vegetable, widely used in cooking various dishes, such as stir-frying, boiling soups and cold salad. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber, which is beneficial to human health.
Culture: Summer cabbage is one of the common summer vegetables in many places. In China, summer cabbage is widely eaten and has special cultural significance in some regions.